Ref did not have clear view

2008-07-06 22:11

Stephen Nell

Wellington, New Zealand - Stuart Dickinson would have shown All Black lock Brad Thorn a yellow card if he had a clear view of the incident in which Springbok captain John Smit was injured in the Tri-Nations rugby Test here on Saturday.

The Australian referee has also admitted that he made a mistake by not awarding a try to New Zealand during the second half of the match that the All Blacks won 19-8.

Dickinson, responding to questions on Sunday, said he had looked to his left to see which player had committed a high tackle on Conrad Jantjes. "When I looked to my right, Smit was in the air. I did not see him land.

"The assistant referee's view was also obscured. He saw Smit go up and come down but he did not see him land.

"I have now seen a (television) replay. I would have shown (Thorn) a yellow card had I seen everything," Dickinson said.

The incident occurred in the sixth minute. Dickinson had blown his whistle for a dangerous tackle by All Black flank Adam Thomson on Springbok fullback Jantjes. Almost immediately afterwards and away from the ball, Smit was upended in a late spear tackle.

Smit suffered a groin injury and left the field in the 38th minute. He is unlikely to be fit to play in the second Test in Dunedin on Saturday.

Unsportsmanlike conduct

Thorn was later cited and appeared at a disciplinary hearing. He was found guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct and banned for one match.

With Dickinson and the assistant referee both unable to see the incident clearly, they were correct in not sending Thorn off the field.

However, it was an important moment in the match. The All Black forwards were taking command but would probably not have gained momentum had Thorn been sent to the sin bin for ten minutes.

Dickinson also explained why he had not awarded a second try to All Black No 8 Jerome Kaino who had touched down after a brilliant grubber by Dan Carter.

The referee ruled that Kaino had been in front of the flyhalf when Carter kicked the ball.

"The offside call was mine and it was wrong," he said. "I have apologised to (assistant New Zealand coach) Steve Hansen.

"One has to be big enough to admit it when you have made a mistake."

- Die Burger